PNC Bank does offer notary services, but availability depends on your branch location and whether you have an account there
PNC Bank provides notary services at many of its branches, but the service is not uniform across all locations. Some branches staff a notary during business hours; others do not. The fastest way to find out whether your nearest PNC branch has a notary is to call the branch directly or check the branch locator on PNC's website, which sometimes lists notary availability.
If you are a PNC customer, the service is typically free or low-cost. If you are not a customer, PNC branches may charge a fee per signature, though the amount varies by location. Some branches will refuse to notarize for non-customers altogether, so confirm this before you visit.
PNC's notary availability has contracted in recent years as many banks have reduced in-branch services. Do not assume your branch has a notary just because PNC offers the service somewhere. Call ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Not every PNC branch has a notary on staff, so you must contact your specific branch to confirm availability before visiting.
- PNC customers typically receive notary services free or at a reduced rate, while non-customers may pay per signature or be turned away.
- The PNC branch locator website sometimes displays notary availability, but a phone call to the branch is the most reliable way to check.
- Many PNC branches have eliminated notary services in recent years, so even if your branch had one in the past, it may no longer.
How to learn about your PNC branch has a notary
Start by calling the branch directly. The branch phone number appears in the PNC branch locator at pnc.com. When you call, ask specifically whether a notary is available and whether they are available on the day and time you plan to visit. Some branches staff a notary only on certain days or during limited hours.
If you cannot reach the branch by phone, visit in person during business hours and ask at the customer service desk. Do not assume the answer based on branch size or location—a large downtown branch may have no notary while a smaller suburban one does.
The PNC website's branch locator sometimes displays a notary icon next to branches that offer the service, but this information is not always current. Use it as a starting point, then confirm by phone.
What to bring and what it will cost
Bring the document you need notarized and a valid photo ID. The notary will verify your identity before notarizing. If the document requires multiple signatures, bring it unsigned—the notary must watch you sign it.
For PNC customers, notary services are usually free. For non-customers, fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though this varies by branch and location. Some branches charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature. Ask about the cost when you call to confirm availability.
A few PNC branches refuse to notarize for non-customers at any price. If you are not a PNC customer and the branch turns you away, you have other options: credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notary services in your area.
When PNC notary services may not work for you
If your nearest PNC branch has no notary, or if their hours do not match yours, you will need to look elsewhere. Some documents also require a notary public with specific credentials or experience—for example, loan documents or real estate transactions sometimes need a notary who carries errors and omissions insurance. A bank notary may not meet those requirements.
If you need a notary for a time-sensitive matter, do not rely on PNC branch availability. Call first, and have a backup option ready. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notary publics in your area often have more flexible hours and may be faster to reach.
Alternatives if your PNC branch cannot help
Credit unions often offer notary services to members at no cost. If you belong to a credit union, check whether they have a notary before you visit a PNC branch.
UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff at most locations and typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Hours are often longer than bank branches, including weekend availability at some locations.
Independent notary publics advertise in your area and can come to you or meet you at a neutral location. Search "notary public near me" to find local options. Fees vary widely but often run $10 to $25 per signature.
What a bank notary can and cannot do
A bank notary can verify your identity, watch you sign a document, and affix their seal and signature to certify that you signed it in their presence. They cannot give legal information about what you are signing, cannot tell you whether a document is valid, and cannot notarize a document you signed before you arrived at the bank.
If the document you need notarized is complex—a power of attorney, a real estate deed, or a loan document—ask the notary whether they have notarized similar documents before. A bank notary's role is limited to witnessing your signature, not to reviewing the document's contents or legality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a PNC customer to use their notary service?
No, but non-customers may be charged a fee and some branches refuse to notarize for non-customers at all. Call your branch first to ask whether they will notarize for you and what the cost will be.
Can I notarize a document I already signed?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the document unsigned and bring your photo ID.
How long does a notarization take?
Usually five to ten minutes if you have your ID and the document is straightforward. Bring everything you need so you do not have to leave and come back.
What if my PNC branch does not have a notary?
Call other PNC branches nearby to see if they have one, or use a UPS store, FedEx Office, credit union, or independent notary public. Many of these options have longer hours than bank branches.
Can a notary tell me if my document is legal?
No. A notary's job is only to verify your identity and witness your signature. If you have questions about whether a document is correct or legal, consult a lawyer before you sign it.